THE BEST OF THE CANARY ISLANDS

From rugged volcanic peaks to endless Atlantic beaches, the Canary Islands are Spain’s not-so-hidden gem off the coast of North Africa. This sun-drenched archipelago casts a hypnotic spell with its diverse landscapes, cultures, and adventures simply begging to be explored. Leave the mainland behind and uncover the absolute best of the captivating Canaries.

Where are the Canary Islands?

You’ll find the Canary Islands situated in the Atlantic around 96 km west of Morocco, putting them technically closer to Africa than the Spanish mainland. But don’t let the proximity fool you—this unique string of seven major islands and handful of smaller islets very much belong to Spain, comprising one of its 17 autonomous communities.

The main islands fanning across 965 km of ocean from east to west include Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Each was born through volcanic activity, gifting them with wildly varied geological formations from soaring mountains and lava fields to desert dunes and lush valley forests.

How to Get to the Canary Islands

With their far-flung position in the Atlantic, getting to the Canaries requires a bit of journey—though frequent flights and ferries make it an eminently reachable paradise. Many travelers will fly directly into the major airports in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura.

Once you’ve arrived, the most scenic way to explore the different isles is by ferry. An extensive network of routes connects all the major islands, with both slow car ferries and speedy jetfoils making the crossings several times daily. It’s a chance to take in those epic ocean views en route to your next island adventure. Just be sure to book ferries well in advance with Ferryscanner to snag your preferred sailing.

Best islands to visit in the Grand Canaries

With lush forests, sculpted lava formations, and blissful beachside settings, each of the Canary Islands dishes up its own distinct flavor. Get your feet wet first by visiting the star players of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera.

Tenerife

The crown jewel of the Canaries, Tenerife delivers larger-than-life adventures at every turn. Its crowning glory is the volcanic Mt. Teide, towering at over 12,000 feet as Spain’s tallest peak and one of the largest volcanoes on earth by sheer mass. Spend a day traversing the unearthly volcanic landscapes of Las Cañadas del Teide National Park.

But there’s far more to this idyllic isle than geological wonders. The north offers up the buzzing capital of Santa Cruz and picturesque university town La Laguna. To the south, resort communities like Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos entice with their Saharan-like golden sand beaches and busy nightlife. With dramatic craggy coastlines, verdant laurel forests, historic towns and family-friendly amenities, Tenerife really does hit all the major notes when it comes to what holidaymakers want from their summer sun adventure.

Lanzarote

Like something out of a sci-fi movie, Lanzarote is truly out of this world with its otherworldly geology. The entire island was shaped by the epic volcanic eruptions of the 1730s, leaving behind a surreal landscape of twisted black rocks, fluorescent green shrubs, and jagged rust-hued peaks. The unmissable centerpiece is Timanfaya National Park, a massive crater and lava field that could easily be confused for Mars.

Beyond the Space Age scenery, Lanzarote dishes up quintessential Canarian charm in destinations like the whitewashed seaside capital Arrecife and low-key beach villages like Playa Blanca. With year-round sunshine and epic surf breaks, it’s no wonder this fascinating place has earned its nickname as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” An absolute must for outdoor adventurers and geology buffs.

Gran Canaria

Earning its moniker as a “Continent in Miniature,” Gran Canaria surprises at every turn with its incredible diversity packed into one island. From its lush green interior valleys and pine forests to the rolling desert dunes and famous beaches that go on for miles, this Canary isle is an explosion of contrasts.

Take in the sprawling Maspalomas Dunes, a sea of windswept sand ridges set against rugged mountains. Or visit the capital of Las Palmas, which melds historic Spanish charm with modern energy and beachside activities.

Meanwhile, idyllic villages like Tejeda and Puerto de Mogán invite you to slip into gear of the laid-back island lifestyle.

For hikers and photographers, the scenery here is spellbinding, with epic ravines and trails weaving past quaint agrarian towns, banana plantations and panoramic lookouts. Gran Canaria delivers the full Canarian experience.

La Gomera

Nicknamed “The Rock” for its distinctive towering profile, La Gomera packs a whole lot of enchantment within its tiny size. This remote, mist-shrouded isle cloaked in emerald forests and ravines feels a world apart—exactly what draws scores of hikers, nature lovers and spiritual seekers year after year.

The undisputed star attraction is La Gomera’s laurisilva forests, a primeval landscape of twisted vines and ferns that instantly transports you back centuries.

Roam the ancient pathways crisscrossing the island’s dramatic ravines and valleys, keeping an ear out for the unique whistle speech that locals once used for communication.

For a taste of charming village life, spend some time in the seaside capital San Sebastián or hilltop wonders like Agulo. With its timeless magic, La Gomera is an island for the soul.

Best things to do in the Canary Islands

From hiking forested mountain trails to relaxing on perfect beaches to savoring the distinctive cuisine, the Canary Islands overflow with unforgettable experiences. Explore Mars-like volcanic landscapes, sail over glittering blue waters, or wander timeless villages.

Explore the Islands’ Volcanic wonderlands

With their origins steeped in epic volcanic activity, the Canary Islands show off some of the most jaw-dropping geological scenery on the planet. On Lanzarote, the spellbinding Timanfaya National Park features soaring peaks and rivers of hardened black lava that instantly transport you to another world.

Over in Tenerife, the mighty Mt. Teide dominates the skyline, while you can venture into the belly of Gran Canaria’s Valley of a Thousand Palms dotted with Jurassic-looking dragon trees. Watch as crashing waves blast through ancient volcanic tunnels like Punta de Los Amarillos on La Palma, or explore eerie underground lava grottos and lakes in places like Cueva de los Verdes. These fiery, primal landscapes reveal the forces that shaped these islands.

Bask on epic beaches

With their Sahara-like expanses of golden sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and swaying palms, the Canary shores are tailor-made for pure bliss. Each island offers its own unique beach experiences, from the endless wave-swept crescents and sand dunes of Fuerteventura to the dramatic black lava rock formations surrounding Tenerife’s Playa del Bollullo.

Join surfers in tackling Gran Canaria’s powerful curls at El Confital or simply laze in the sun on Maspalomas’ soft white sands. For total escapism, seek out tranquil coves like La Gomera’s unspoiled Playa de Santiago or the hidden playas tucked between Lanzarote’s otherworldly volcanic peaks. These beaches combine all the Spanish sun-soaked vibes with wide-open natural beauty.

Hike breathtaking trails

Thanks to the Canaries’ incredibly diverse microclimates, these islands deliver a hiking experience unlike anywhere else on the planet. Get an up-close look at the emerald forests, deep barrancos, mist-shrouded calderas and sculpted peaks that make the landscapes here so wildly unique and epic.

Trek through the prehistoric laurel woods of iconic Garajonay National Park on La Gomera. Or summit the highest point on La Palma along the strenuous Ruta de los Volcanes encircling the Caldera de Taburiente crater.

On Tenerife, you can escape into the high-altitude hiking routes winding amidst the lunar vistas and ancient rock formations of Mt. Teide. No matter which trail you choose, the Canaries’ constantly shifting scenery is simply spellbinding.

Sample delicious canarian cuisine

While sun and sand may be the initial draws, the distinctive Canarian cuisine will likely have you extending your stay—or at least vowing to return. Taking its cues from Spanish roots but adding plenty of Moorish and Atlantic influences, the local cooking philosophy highlights simple, vibrant ingredients and bold flavors.

You’ll revel in specialties like piquant papas arrugadas (salt-crusted potato hunks served with zesty mojo sauce), caldereta stews brimming with fresh seafood, and hearty meat and chickpea dishes like the iconic garbanzada.

Wash it down with the Canaries’ minerally white Malvasia wines for a true taste of the islands. Whether grabbing bites at friendly beach kiosks or splurging on upscale restaurants, Canarian cuisine is an adventure all its own.

Summary: Relaxing in the Canary Islands

From volcanic black sand beaches to mountaintop vistas to soulful whitewashed villages, the Canary Islands captivate at every turn. This sun-drenched Spanish paradise offers the ultimate escape through its surreal natural wonders and opportunities to simply let go and soak up la isla vida.